Choosing a Hostel in Europe

Youth hostels are budget alternatives to hotels, and what they may lack in privacy and homey comfort, they often make up for with friendly atmospheres, stylish design and adventurous offerings for overnighters.

Websites like HostelWorld.com or organizations like Hosteling International are great resources for finding accommodations just about anywhere.

Plan your trip, then book your hostel

The most important part of finding a good hostel is knowing where it fits in your schedule. Plug in the coordinates of a potential hostel to Google Map and run through virtual adventures, gauging how long it will take from the nearest public transportation pick up to the sights you most want to see. You’ll save a lot of time if you map out your plan according to your home base.

Don’t just go for the first hostel

Do some digging and a little research to uncover little gems that go the extra mile. You may find somewhere like Palmer’s Lodge, Swiss Cottage near London, England. While it’s not in the city center, it’s a unique venue (a restored Victorian grade house to be exact) with hotel-like amenities and bunk beds with curtains for personal privacy.

Know your comfort level — and how much you’re willing to pay for it

If you don’t mind making new friends fast, many hostels offer dorm-style rooms with up to 28 beds. This will be your least expensive option, though be prepared for little to no privacy. These rooms typically come with free lockers to hold your belongings while you’re out and about, though you’ll need to lock it up yourself. Most hostels sell locks at the front desk, so purchase one before your trip to save a few bucks.

Take advantage of hostel perks

Youth hostels will often offer facilities with their younger patrons in mind. Check to see if a hostel offers a book exchange, game roomnand tours and travel deals. When you arrive, speak with the front desk attendant to join free walking tours or pub crawls led by knowledgeable locals who know where the best parties are. You may also get discounts on bus trips outside of town, like a trip to Stonehenge and Bath from London or Versailles from Paris.

Read the reviews and rating

When you finally find the hostel you’ve been dreaming of, pay attention to what other guests have said about their experience to make sure it’s not too good to be true. Reading reviews is the best method for learning about the comfort and security of the hostel and the value for your money. Keep an eye out for trends, like common complaints about bed bugs or whether or not the rooms have power outlets.